Switzerland Witnesses Floods, Landslides Caused By Heavy Rain (Photo: Screengrab/X)
An abnormal amount of rainfall in Switzerland has put parts of the country on alert, after several rivers in southern Switzerland burst their banks, inundating roads, fields, and even villages. MeteoSchweiz, the government’s office for weather and climate, said 124 mm (4.88 inches) of rain fell in Mesolcina valley in the canton of Grisons on Friday, with 63 mm (2.48 inches) falling in a one-hour period, according to reports.
The popular tourist destination, Zermatt, was temporarily cut off from the rest of the country due to blocked railway lines. While some routes have reopened, it’s crucial to check current road and rail conditions before heading to the region.
The heavy rainfall has saturated the ground, increasing the risk of landslides. Authorities have warned of potential dangers in mountainous areas, particularly along hiking trails and scenic roads. Exercise caution and stay informed about official warnings before venturing into these areas. Police urged people not to travel to the region as many roads were closed. Five villages were without electricity. In fact, according to Marie-Claude Noth-Ecoeur, head of the Valais civil protection service, over 230 people were displaced from their homes by late Friday.
Rescue efforts were swift, with over 200 firefighters and 50 civil protection workers assisting in evacuations. The Swiss news agency SDA documented the extensive emergency response, particularly in the Misox valley, showcasing the devastation through videos and photographs of submerged areas, collapsed infrastructure, and scattered debris.